Sayre, born April 1, 1936, was a member of the Washington crew that beat the Soviet National Team in Moscow, in 1958, shortly after the Soviets, racing as Leningrad Trud Club, had bested the Huskies at the Royal Henley Regatta, the UW's first trip to that event.
 
Along with his UW boatmates, Sayre was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1984.
 
Following his college career, Sayre won a gold medal in the coxless four at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.
 
"John Sayre was a force of a man and an exemplary oarsman," said UW head coach Michael Callahan. "He was an Olympic Champion and his fearless, joyful approach to life never stopped. He was a community leader, dedicated to protecting Pacific Northwest waters, salmon and those who depended on them, before turning his efforts to Kenya and the Masai Mara. John's life is an inspiration. Well rowed, John."
 
Sayre's rowing achievements were among the first in a long list of accomplishments during his life, not the least of which was a 64-year marriage to his wife, Pat.
 
After college, Sayre worked in a variety of diverse capacities, including jobs with "Up with People," the Jacques Cousteau Society, Pace Magazine and the U.S. Department of the Interior. He also had a keen interest in salmon conservancy and help found several organizations dedicated to preservation of the various local species.
 
Along with his wife, he is survived by four children and three grandchildren.